Another huge Rose effort leads Monday’s S&Ds

Derrick Rose’s late-game heroics are getting to be a habit in this year’s playoffs for the Chicago Bulls.

Rose torched Indiana for 36 points, eight rebounds and six assists to lead the Bulls to a 96-90 victory over Indiana. The victory enabled the No. 1 seed Bulls to claim a 2-0 lead in the best-of-7 series in the Eastern Conference first-round playoffs.

Like he did on Saturday, Rose came up big down the stretch to lead the Bulls to another comeback victory. The former Memphis product scored eight points in the final 4 minutes to bring home the victory over the pesky Pacers.

The Bulls had the league’s best record during the regular season. But they struggled again before claiming their victory Monday night, an occurrence that has Rose disappointed.

“Our play has to get better,” Rose told the Associated Press. “We have to be more smooth, more efficient, especially on the defensive end where we have to try a lot harder. But I feel like we’re going to get things together pretty quickly.”

After scoring 39 points in Game 1, Rose was nearly as effective on Monday night as he hit 12 of 13 free throws.

“I feel like this was the sequel to the Derrick Rose show,” Indiana forward Danny Granger told the AP. “It really just happened all over again.”

Like before, Rose topped Studs and Duds with another scintillating effort.

STUDS

Chicago G Derrick Rose: Erupted for 36 points, eight rebounds, six assists and was plus-11 in the Bulls’ 96-90 Game 2 victory over Indiana.

Miami F LeBron James: Scored 29 points, grabbed seven rebounds, dealt out six assists and was plus-24 as Miami claimed a 94-73 victory over Philadelphia in Game 2 in the Eastern Conference first round.

Miami F Chris Bosh: Hit 9-for-13 from the field to produce 21 points, 11 rebounds, three steals and was plus-20 in the Heat’s victory over the 76ers.

Chicago F Carlos Boozer: Went for 17 points, 16 rebounds and was plus-12 in the Bulls’ triumph over Indiana.

Philadelphia F Thaddeus Young: Came off the bench to score a team-high 18 points and grab six rebounds in the 76ers’ loss at Miami.

DUDS

Philadelphia’s offense: The Sixers shot only 34.2 percent from the field and produced their second-lowest playoff scoring total in 56 years in their loss to Miami.

Indiana F Tyler Hansbrough: Clanked through a 2-for-12 shooting night and was minus-6 in the Pacers’ loss at Chicago.

Indiana G Paul George: Went 2-for-7 from the field with four turnovers and was minus-11 in the Pacers’ loss at Chicago.

Philadelphia G Jrue Holiday: Went 5-for-13 from the field with two turnovers and was minus-23 in the 76ers’ loss to the Heat.

Philadelphia F Andre Iguodala: Limited to five points on 2-for-8 shooting along with five turnovers and was minus-20 in the 76ers’ loss at Miami.